Thread: Retirement Help

I read the answer to be yes as long as the person is an annuitant, which in this case the spouse will be. She would have to wait until open season to re-enroll if suspended.

See pages 8,9,16. I think this answers your question.
https://www.opm.gov/retirement-servi...ets/ri79-2.pdf

Also:
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insur...ie/#url=Health

Thanks Bullitt for the links. Very much appreciated.

Any FERS retirees, 65 and over, who opted to continue their FEHB instead of availing Medicare B? If you opted for FEHB instead of Medicare B, any feedback?

Originally Posted by Maricar19

Any FERS retirees, 65 and over, who opted to continue their FEHB instead of availing Medicare B? If you opted for FEHB instead of Medicare B, any feedback?

I could be wrong, but I don't think there is any difference between CSRS and FERS and having FEHB and opting out of Part B. Either you take it or you don't. If you don't and then want to get Part B you have the 10% per year penalty.
When I retired, I stayed with FEHB Blue Cross/Blue Shield. A few years ago I switched from standard coverage to basic. Basic coverage will reimburse you up to $800 for your Medicare Part B. It is a bit pricey to have both but in my opinion well worth it.
In 2021 my wife went through chemotherapy and immunotherapy. As of today, I haven't paid a dime.

Originally Posted by Maricar19

Any FERS retirees, 65 and over, who opted to continue their FEHB instead of availing Medicare B? If you opted for FEHB instead of Medicare B, any feedback?

I know of few people who did not go with Medicare Part B and happy with their decision. I think I'm leaning towards opting out when the time comes. I think it really depends on you health & risk tolerance. If you do decide to get Medicare Part B in addition to FEHB it makes sense to elect a lower cost option for FEHB since you are essentially paying for the same thing with both but FEHB will cover the 20% not covered by Medicare. I posted links to several articles in this thread Should Federal Retirees Take Medicare Part B? but didn't get any response from those who may have opted out of Medicare Part B, it seems most people sign up because it is expected or everyone else is. I think both spouses have to be covered the 5 years prior to retirement in order to keep FEHB in retirement based on my parent's situation but that was. years ago